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Longboat Key, FL — Reigning champion James Blake is well on his way to a possible second victory at the Sarasota Open. Sam Querrey has proven he is in charge when he takes to the court. Paolo Lorenzi is all about determination and drive at game time. And all three of these gentlemen are here at the Sarasota Open, preparing for their next court date — the French Open. Blake, Lorenzi and Querrey are each confirmed for the Main Draw of the Tournament that takes place in Paris, France, from May 27, 2012 through June 10, 2012.

Named after the famous French aviator Roland Garros, the French Open is the premier clay court tennis tournament in the world, and the only Grand Slam tournament held on clay. The event is widely considered to be the most physically demanding tennis tournament in the world, hence the preparation and play at the Sarasota Open is invaluable to players that will be heading to the French Open this May.

Clay-court play is considered a specialty; with the players employing long, winding groundstrokes that tend to generate heavy topspin. They also tend to slide much more effectively than players on other surfaces and are very adept at hitting drop shots — rallies on clay courts often leave players pushed far beyond the baseline. Additionally, the slow, long rallies require a great degree of mental focus and physical stamina from the players.

The USTA Wild Card to the French Open will be awarded to the highest point getter from the Sarasota Open and Savannah Challenger tournaments.

This is a rare opportunity to see some of the best players in the world in such a luxurious and unique location where getting autographs and watching practice sets is common-place. The award winning Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club & Resort is the recipient of the 2012 Tennis Magazine’s #1 Tennis Resort, Gulf Coast of Florida spot, making it a Top Ten Tennis Resort nationwide. The Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club & Resort was named the USTA’s 2009 “Outstanding Facility of the Year” and a “Top Ten Gold Medal Tennis Resort Worldwide” in 2011 by Tennis Resorts Online.

Sarasota Open 2012 — Schedule of Events

(In the event of weather cancellation on Sunday, tickets will be valid on Monday, April 23, 2012)

Tournament location:

The Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club & Resort, 3100 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key, Florida 34228

(tickets for all events can be purchased at sarasotaopen.org)

About the Sarasota Open

The Sarasota Open is the largest USTA sanctioned tennis event in the Sarasota area attracting over 30,000 patrons annually. Now in its 5th year, the tournament has evolved into the most prestigious clay court event prior to the French Open. Previous winners include James Blake in 2011 and Kei Nishikori in 2010. The week long events include qualifying rounds for both the men’s and ladies’ tournaments, Finals Rounds and the Final Championship tournament on Center Court accompanied by Sponsored Hospitality offerings. Tickets to the Sarasota Open are available at SarasotaOpen.org and range from $5 for Qualifying Round general admission tickets to $100 Finals Round Box Seats. Finals will be held on April 22, 2012.

About Longboat Key Club & Resort

Longboat Key Club & Resort is Sarasota’s premier AAA Four-Diamond beachfront resort and private club renowned for its distinctive guest service and unparalleled amenities. Easily accessible from two international airports, the resorts on-site amenities include: championship golf; 25 Har-Tru tennis courts; a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre; Island House Spa offering over 50 services; six unique restaurants; a 291 slip deep-water marina; and a private white sand beach. Located at 220 Sands Pointe Road, Longboat Key, Florida, reservations can be made by calling (941) 383-8821, (800) 237-8821 or by contacting us online at LongboatKeyClub.com. Special Sarasota Open Packages are available.

About the Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club & Resort

Home of the Sarasota Open, the 4.5 million dollar facility was named the 2012 #1 Tennis Resort on the Gulf Coast of Florida by Tennis Magazine, making it a Top Ten Tennis Resort nationwide. It also is the recipient of the 2009 USTA Outstanding Facility Award and is a 2011 “Top Ten Gold Medal Tennis Resort, Worldwide” by Tennis Resorts Online. Featuring 20 Har-Tru clay courts, professional instruction, a tennis concierge, clubhouse pro-shop, locker rooms, meeting room and equipped for nighttime play, the facility also offers excellent, casual dining at Court 21 Café and Lounge overlooking the tournament court action. Director of Tennis is John Woods. For more information please call (941) 383-8821.